How to use para que with El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo in Spanish
In Spanish, the most commonly used connective to introduce a purpose clause (Oración subordinada de finalidad) is "para que...". It introduces a clause expressing the purpose of the main clause. This connective is always followed by the subjunctive, not the indicative.
To see how "para que" works with El Presente de Subjuntivo see this lesson about subordinate clauses Using Spanish adverbial clauses para que, antes (de) que, hasta que, con tal (de) que, etc. + the present subjunctive (El Presente de Subjuntivo).
Here we will explain how "para que" is used with El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo.
Para que... + El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo
To use it with El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo, we need a past tense in the main clause. Have a look at the following examples:
Le regalé el diccionario para que lo usara en clase.I gave him the dictionary for him to use it in class / so that he'd use it in class.
If the main clause is in El Pretérito Perfecto, then both El Presente de Subjuntivo and El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo can be used after para que:
He salido antes del trabajo para que podamos comer juntos. (El Presente de Subjuntivo)
I left work early so that we can/could eat together.
He salido antes del trabajo para que pudiéramos comer juntos. (El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo)
I left work early so that we can/could eat together.
Important:
The subject in the main clause and in the subordinate clase must be different for the use of subjunctive. If the subject is the same in both clauses then we will need the infinitive after "para" (without "que").
Have a look at these two different sentences:
Same subjects:
Me senté en primera fila para ver mejor el partido.I sat in the first row so that I could see the match better.
Different subjects:
Other connectives that introduce purpose are:
- con el fin de que...
- a fin de que...
- a que...
- con el objeto de que...
- con el propósito de que...
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